City: Iasi, one of the oldest cities in Romania

Service:Romania is one of ILP's Humanitarian programs and is really unique because it's the only country where you are not teaching English. Here you'll serve in an orphanage, hospital, and half-way homes. You'll work with children 1-on-1 and give them your attention, love, and encouragement as you support them in reaching milestones.

Group Size: Around 10-12 volunteers

Life Abroad: Live in an apartment with the other volunteers just a short walk from the orphanage. Try out delicious breads, cheese, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Practice learning Romanian and learn about the local religious traditions and customs.

Semesters:Fall semester is August-December, Spring semester is January-April, and Summer is May-August.

The melting pot of Europe

As you travel around Romania you will find parts that are heavily influenced by other cultures. At the Black Sea try Turkish foods and hear prayers from the Mosques. Brasov and Sibiu architecture is very German and Swiss influenced. You'll even see areas where every home is a different color. You'll find traditional Romania in the Transylvania area. Cross the nearby border into Moldova for Russian culture. There's also a high population of Hungarians.

Serving the people of Romania

The program in Romania is a little bit different than in other ILP countries. In Romania you'll spend your time volunteering in an orphanage. These children have their basic needs met, but you'll be able to give the precious gift of time and one-on-one attention to help them grow and succeed. Click below to learn more about this special program.

Pack your bags

Romania is situated conveniently near several favorite travel destinations. Cross the border and be in another country in less than a day. In fact, Iasi is only 38 miles from Moldova and 135 miles from Ukraine! Easily cross off more than a handful of countries from your bucket list.

TOP VACATION SPOTS

Not only do you get to explore Romania, but you can also vacation throughout the European Union and Ukraine.

Brasov, RomaniaHeavily influenced by Germany, this city makes you feel like you just stepped into western Europe. Visit old churches and of course...Dracula's castle. Also home to the narrowest street (4 feet wide!) in Europe.

Italy Eat to your heart's content in Naples, stand in awe of historic architecture in Rome, and take a boat tour of Venice.

Poland Learn WWII history firsthand by touring historic sites like Auschwitz and the Jewish District, spend the day exploring Old Town Krakow and take a trip into the Salt Mines.

Czech RepublicArrive early, before other tourists, to walk along famous Charles Bridge, walk up the hill to Prague castle, and shop in this capital city.

Ukraine Visit castles at Kamianets-Podilskyi, soak up the sun at the Black Sea by visiting Odessa, spend a day in charming Lviv and don't forget the capital, Kiev.

France Fulfill your childhood dreams by having a picnic in front of the eiffel tower, spend an afternoon in the Louvre, and soak up the sun on the coast.

Slovenia Boat across the lake to medieval Bled castle, take the train through the underground network of caves, and hike through ravines and canyons.

Bulgaria Stroll the streets of the capital, relax in famous mineral spas, and bike the mountains along the Black Sea coast.

Moldova Explore cave monasteries, beautiful churches, and another chance to head to the coast. Get the true feel of a Russian culture here.

Croatia Ancient coastal towns like Dubrovnik, Roman amphitheaters, and some of the most beautiful coastlines in Europe.

Greece Head to one of the top destinations in the world. The Parthenon, Mykonos, hilltop monasteries, incredible town views...need we say more?

Slovakia Take a boat ride to historic castle ruins, stroll through and have lunch on the streets of Old Town Bratislava, and climb the hillside to views of the city and a Soviet War Memorial.

Hungary Spend the weekend in Budapest, relaxing in famous thermal spas, walk around castle hill, and take a short cruise for sites of both Buda and Pest.

Saints and traditions

Spend your days serving the people of one of the top religious and traditional cities in Romania. Everywhere you go you will see beautiful Orthodox churches, convents, and monasteries. Walk through the cobblestone street on Sunday to hear beautiful chants from the many churches. A tradition is to do the sign of the cross while passing a religious building and even your taxi driver will show his respects!